In an ever-changing world, it’s only natural that we’d want our homes to follow suit. We have so many factors to consider, including how the climate crisis may impact the way we live and where. Thankfully, with a plethora of new technologies, it’s now easier than ever to make your home more environmentally friendly from the inside out no matter where you are.
Not only that, but making the move to sustainable housing can actually have incredible benefits. It’s a long-term investment, meaning that it will also provide you with long-term comfort. Moving towards a more environmentally friendly home can also help you feel more connected to nature, enjoy better air quality, and benefit from energy efficient technology.
So, how can you get started?
1) Switch your utilities
Whether it’s your water, heating, or electricity - there are so many energy efficient and renewable energy alternatives to classic utilities that can help make your home more environmentally friendly. Beyond that, initiatives like the “Energy Efficiency Incentives for Homeowners” from the City of Toronto can actually help you take that first step without having to break the bank. Lowe’s also highlights some excellent, smaller choices you can make, such as changing your light bulbs to LED, installing a low-flush toilet, and choosing sustainable flooring, such as bamboo hardwood, cork, carpet tiles, or natural linoleum.
2) Invest in a drip irrigation system
An article from the University of Massachusetts Amherst highlighted how, “A well designed drip irrigation system benefits the environment by conserving water and fertilizer” and the, “...properly installed systems can save as much as 80% of the water normally used in other types of irrigation systems''. Easily available in many hardware stores, this can be a small, but powerful switch for any homeowners with a garden who want to make the switch to less wasteful methods of watering.
3) Focus on the “small stuff”
Not every environmentally-friendly option requires a huge renovation or massive lifestyle change. You can totally focus on the small stuff, which a blog by The Green Hub beautifully summarizes. For example, turn the water off when brushing your teeth, wash your clothes in cold water, and use tea-towels instead of paper towels! Personal changes can also make a massive difference and have long-term benefits, such as having a “meatless Monday” which will not only reduce food-waste, but give you a great excuse to try out some fun recipes.
No matter which you choose to help you get started, rest assured that any step, big or small, is a great one when making your home more environmentally friendly.
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